Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already transforming our lives in many ways, and its impact is set to grow in the coming years. In recent years there has been a revolution in access to a new generation of ‘Generative’ AI tools, including ChatGPT.
AI is already commonly used in lots of the technologies we use every day, for example in our smartphones, cars and home appliances. AI tools can process lots of data all at once and use that data to identify patterns and predict outcomes. ‘Generative AI’ is a specific form of AI system that can generate new text or videos or photographs, after being prompted by a person. This means that it can “create” new content that hasn’t existed before.
As with any new technology, the application of Generative AI brings ethical and practical considerations that are crucial if we want it to positively impact people’s lives.
Our new project, in partnership with the University of Oxford, will explore the relationship between Generative AI and social care.
How has this work come about?
Our project is part of a wider programme exploring the responsible use of Generative AI in social care. The project is led by Dr Caroline Emmer De Albuquerque Green, from the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford, along with the Digital Care Hub and Casson Consulting. The project also involves a range of other people and organisations interested in social care.
Dr Green is the Director of Research at the Institute. Her work focuses on AI and human rights, specifically in the fields of health and social care. Dr Green approached TLAP to work with her on her current project because of our experience in co-production and social care policy.
Why is this work important?
At TLAP, we work to make health and social care more personalised, so that everybody can live their life their way. We believe Generative AI tools could play a role in achieving this, but it must be implemented with people who use care and support at the centre of decision-making.
What are we doing?
Members of the National Co-production Advisory Group and staff at Think Local Act Personal will be working with Dr Green to co-produce principles and values for the use of Generative AI in social care.
It is anticipated that this work will lead to a set of principles for the responsible use of Generative AI in social care from the perspective of people with lived experience. This is intended for use by care providers, tech developers and others considering how they might use Generative AI.
Want to learn more?
You can read more about Dr Green on the University of Oxford website.
